Assumptions Quote by Cary Nelson
““The professor argues against measuring effectiveness in the shallow short-term in the "fierce humanities," for teaching that seeks not merely learning, but unlearning, that seeks to unsettle knowledge and assumptions in ways more fundamental than any exam can or should test.””
About This Quote
True learning in the humanities should disrupt entrenched assumptions, encouraging both acquisition and deliberate unlearning beyond measurable outcomes.
In simple terms: Humanities aim to unsettle knowledge
Key Takeaway
Education should provoke critical self‑examination
Themes
pedagogy
critical thinking
unlearning
assessment critique
Mood
thoughtful
provocative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- college seminars
- curriculum design retreats
- faculty development
Key Concepts
deep learning
epistemic humility
Practical Applications
- restructuring assessment methods
- facilitating transformative workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we assess unlearning?
- What practices foster intellectual humility?
